What I learned about using a Broody Hen

[walkswithdog]

My two new broodies and hatchlings are doing well!!! Yay, I thought these hens had it going on

All twenty chicks doing well, and trading their numbers between the Momma's. Both Momma's driving off the over curious or the aggressive birds in the flock. Some of the PRs that haven't been broody have still been VERY good with the babies, scratching for them and standing with them. Sharing feed. Even nasty old Bear is being kind to the babies.

Looks like this group is a go. The poor Delaware group are chased clean out of the feeding yard every time one even looks sideways at a baby. It's kind of fun to watch.

More pics today if the rain cooperates.

 

[IggiMom]

Quote:
A RIR who will brood is worth her weight in gold! I will be interested to hear from you how she does, if she sticks with it.

In fact, sometime if you were selling eggs, I would like eggs from her!

Catherine

 

[okiehen]

Beautiful hen and chicks, I have a hen setting buff orp eggs due 6/5.

I just have to say you hit the nail on the head a good broody hen/ momma is worth her weight in eggs.

to all broodys

I have 2 hens with chicks now #3 due 6/3 #4 due 6/5 # 5 getting eggs this weekend. And I have 2 more hens that will brood this year.

 

[suebee]

Okiehen, you must be a nervous wreck with all the staggered hatches going on! I got 2 hatches coming up one week apart. I'm so scared the other broodies sitting on the last eggs will get off the eggs and try to claim the first hatch as their own. I'll probably have to screen them in so they don't go running over to those chicks first.

 

[Lov'emSouthernEggs]

Two questions...

Where do you get Watermellon crates and how do you feed chicks that are raised by hens? The watermellon crates are a great idea!

BB

 

[IggiMom]

I got my watermelon crate from the grocery store. I asked them to save one for me and they did.

Catherine

 

[needtohatch]

Lov'emSouthernEggs :

Two questions...

Where do you get Watermellon crates and how do you feed chicks that are raised by hens? The watermellon crates are a great idea!

BB

Check with your local grocery stores for the watermellon crates. I tried Walmart first, but they did not seem interested in helping me. I went to my little town IGA and they were more than happy to help me and I have gotton 4 crates from them. Late spring or summer is the best time since they tend to sell more watermellons then. Mine saved some other large boxes (for freezy pops) for me also.
As for feeding the chicks since I just moved 3 2 1/2 month old pullets in with my main flock I have everyone on grower/finisher with free choice oyster shells. That should be fine for the new chicks and mine free range so mom should show them all the "outside" food.​

 

[catwalk]

Know what I learned about incubators?
1. Don't trip over them. Eggs will break
2. Don't mess with the heat on day 20 right before you leave for work. Eggs/chicks will cook
The one chick that made it is named Meshach, of Biblical firey furnace fame. My incubator is now called the ShakenBaker.

 

[Sissy]

catwalk. LoL
Shakenbaker...

 

[okiehen]

Quote:
I'm tickled pink and would you know I have a new broody so broody #6 I'm looking for eggs for her now and husband is on board with all the hatching